Simmonds hopes to play in Flyers opener

Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds practiced Monday, but is not sure he can play Wednesday.

Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds practiced Monday, but is not sure he can play Wednesday. (Adam Hunger, USA Today Sports)

Wayne Fish,Calkins Media

Wayne Simmonds hopes to play in Flyers' opener

ORLEANS, Mass. — One day after he was spotted wearing a protective boot on his injured left foot, the Flyers' Wayne Simmonds was back on the ice Monday looking like nothing had ever happened.

That doesn't mean he's a lock to play in Wednesday's season opener at Boston, but it sure doesn't hurt his chances, either.

Simmonds, who was injured in last week's 4-2 win over the New York Rangers, said he doesn't know if he can play against the Bruins.

"Too early to tell,'' he said after the 70-minute practice at Charles Moore Arena. "I felt as good as I could today. I'll skate Wednesday before the game and tell by then.

"I feel good. Obviously, I have not skated in the last week. I had a few issues with my wind and did a little bag skate at the end. I think it will help out [to] get a skate in [today].''

The first test will be in the morning. If Simmonds, who was injured blocking a shot against the Rangers, wakes up stiff and sore from this first workout, then he might have to be shut down again.

"There is going to be a reaction afterwards,'' he said. "Whether it is good or bad we will know in a few hours. I think first and foremost, I felt fine and got through the whole practice which is a good sign.''

Simmonds actually finished the game against the Rangers and afterward even spoke to the media.

"You get hit [by a shot] and adrenalin is rushing through your body and the whole night I got hit with a few pucks that game,'' he said. "I can't really tell. I didn't feel anything until half hour or 45 minutes after the game. Things started to come out afterwards and the next morning you wake up and feel different.''

"I think I had an adrenalin rush going because I was excited to be out there skating with the boys,'' he said. "So all and all, it was a good practice for me.''

The medical staff basically has told him there's no danger of making it worse.

"If there is any chance it can get worse, I don't think I would lace up skates today,'' he said. "Or if it is going to get worse I don't think there's a chance I will play Wednesday. For now, it's up in the air.''

Does the temptation to play in the season opener affect the decision? Or is caution the operative word?

"It's actually probably a better time to be cautious right about now,'' Simmonds said. "It's the beginning of the year and it's really important. At the same time, it's not the stretch run or anything like that now.''

Simmonds doesn't foresee any timing issues with Couturier and Reed.

"Yeah, we played four games together,'' Simmonds said. "That's on top of playing together and practices over the last three years. Obviously, I haven't played with them consistently. I got some spot duty on that line and feel comfortable with those two.''

As for his playing status, it all comes down to how he feels.

"Just in case I am able to go Wednesday, you want to get today in,'' he said. "Get that hard skate out of the way, then go Tuesday which obviously won't be as hard for me.

"Especially, at the end, I doubt I'll get bagged, especially, if I am in the lineup Wednesday. I probably won't be playing too well after that. But I thought it was important to get on the ice today.''